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Physiopathology of the aging heart

Filippo Cademartiri1, Ludovico La Grutta, Pim J de Feyter

  • 1Department of Radiology and Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, s-Gravendijkwal 230, 3015 CE Rotterdam, The Netherlands. filippocademartiri@hotmail.com

Radiologic Clinics of North America
|October 17, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Coronary heart disease is a major health concern for older adults. This review highlights aging

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Geriatrics
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the primary cause of illness and death in the elderly population.
  • Aging involves physiological changes that increase the risk and impact of heart disease.
  • High prevalence of both clinical and subclinical heart disease necessitates preventive strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the prevalence and impact of heart disease in older adults.
  • To discuss increasing risk factors and physiological changes associated with aging.
  • To focus on advanced noninvasive imaging techniques for cardiac assessment.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on aging, heart disease, and risk factors.
  • Focus on recently developed noninvasive cardiac imaging modalities.
  • Specific mention of cardiac multislice computed tomography (CT) and cardiac magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.

Main Results:

  • Aging significantly increases the risk and prevalence of coronary heart disease in the elderly.
  • Noninvasive imaging techniques offer new avenues for early detection and management.
  • Cardiac multislice CT and MR imaging are highlighted as key advancements.

Conclusions:

  • Despite advances, coronary heart disease remains a critical issue for older adults.
  • Understanding aging-related physiological changes is crucial for prevention.
  • Advanced noninvasive imaging like cardiac CT and MR holds promise for improved cardiac care in the elderly.

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